The Healthcare Leadership Academy: Candidate Application Form

The Healthcare Leadership Academy: Candidate Application Form

The Healthcare Leadership Academy Scholarship Application is a competitive process. Please read all parts of the below form carefully. You must complete all sections for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Once you have filled out the form and are ready to submit, please make sure you click the green 'Submit' button at the end of the form to ensure your application gets submitted.

Upon submission, you will receive an automated reply with further information.

Name*

First NameLast Name
Email Address*
(This email will be used for all correspondence relating to your application)
Healthcare Profession *
Job Role/ Title*
Current Stage of Training (please choose the answer most accurately describing your current stage of training)*
If you are a medical student on an elective during the 2026-27 Scholar year, please provide the time frame during which you will be on the elective.
If you have any other commitments during the 2026-27 Scholar year, please let us know by providing this below.
Country of Residence*
Your time zone*
If you picked other, please state your time zone below*
If you work in the United Kingdom, where do you work?*
Name of your Trust/ Health Board/ Hospital/Other Employer Name*
GMC/ GDC/ NTN Number
Have you completed your bursary application process?

YesNo
Nationality*
The HLA is an inclusive community. Please let us know if there are any adjustments you need to ensure you fully participate in the programme.
Mandatory requirements of the programme:
- Attend and engage during all eight HLA contact day sessions for your cohort .(schedule of the cohort dates can be found within the application portal)
- Complete the feedback form sent to you after each HLA contact day session.
- Submit and receive a pass mark for your HLA Scholar Project final submission (comprising a 3 minute video and written portfolio summary). One video and one written submission is required, these will summarise your project and your campaign to support your project. You can, if you wish, produce a separate video and written submission for the project and the campaign.
Confirmation that you have read, understood and agreed to all mandatory requirements of the programme*
Confirmation that you are aware HLA Day 1 which requires mandatory attendance takes place on 05th September 2026*
Which application portal did you apply through?*

Social Media Handles

	Link/ Social Media Handle
Please provide a link to your Instagram handle (include the link to your social media handle)
Please provide a link to your X/Twitter handle (include @ sign)
Please provide a link to your LinkedIn page (include the link to your LinkedIn page if you have one)
Please provide a link to your Facebook Handle (include the link to your social media handle)
Please provide a link to your Bluesky handle (include custom domain if necessary)

The following short-answer questions will be individually graded and contribute towards your final mark in the application process. Please ensure you read the instructions carefully.

Failure to adequately justify the self assessed-mark you have given may lead to your mark being changed or reduced during the assessment of your application.

Question 1: What active ‘extra-curricular’ interest have you demonstrated in current health policy debates and governance issues?
Question 1 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

No demonstrable experience and/or interest in current health policy debates and governance issues.	0
Demonstrates local experience and/or interest in current health policy debates and governance issues. A candidate may have listed one or two local activities to demonstrate their interest and link their personal attributes/skills to these experiences.	1
Demonstrates regional experience and/or interest in current health policy debates and governance issues. A candidate may have listed some regional activities to demonstrate their interest and link their personal attributes/skills to these experiences.	2
Demonstrates national experience and/or interest in current health policy debates and governance issues. A candidate may have listed multiple local, regional and/or national activities to demonstrate their interest and link their personal attributes/skills to these experiences. For example, they may have held a national role in a medico-political organisation.	3

Question 1 - B) Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date.*

0/200
Question 2: What experience do you have using your skills to engage directly with healthcare organisations?
Question 2 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

No demonstrable experience and/or engagement directly with healthcare organisations. Candidate evidences no specific skills. No reflection is evident.	0
Demonstrates local experience and/or engagement directly with healthcare organisations. Little reflection of what has been learned from the experience. For example, delivering a small quality improvement project within an NHS trust.	1
Demonstrates regional experience and/or engagement directly with healthcare organisations.Candidates demonstrate skills with some reflection of what has been learned from the experience. For example, delivering and reflecting on a regional project or a local project which has made substantial change.	2
Demonstrates national experience and engagement directly with healthcare organisations. Evidence of significant personal involvement in lobbying for change, with deep reflection of personal skills and what has been learned from the experience. For example, delivering, implementing and reflecting on a national project within a healthcare organisation.	3

Question 2 - B) Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100
Question 3: What health, policy, leadership qualifications do you have?

Undergraduate degree, postgraduate certificate or diploma in Leadership & Management, Public Health, Health Economics, Global Health, or similar themes.

Include the full qualification you possess or are working towards including the date of competition or expected start and completion year, awarding institute or body and country where the qualification has been/will be awarded from.

This does not include your primary medical or healthcare qualification.

Examples of Evidence
- Master of Public Policy (MSc Newcastle University, United Kingdom ( 2022- expected 2023)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (University of California, Berkeley, USA) (2018-2022)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Administration (University of Toronto, Canada) (2020-2021)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Global Health (Indian Institute of Public Health, Delhi, India) (2021-2022)
Question 3 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

No qualifications	0
Short course qualification(s) completed or underway	1
BSc/ PGCert completed or underway	2
MSc/PhD/1st class BSc completed	3

Question 3 - B) Using the text box, compose your answer with the notation provided above*

0/100

Question 4: What experience do you have speaking publicly?

Engaging in various forms of public speaking such as delivering TED talks, participating in debating societies, presenting work to peers or audiences, and speaking at conferences. This may involve giving poster presentations or oral presentations at events, where you are specifically named as the speaker.
Question 4 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Demonstrates no experience speaking publicly in any context.	0
Demonstrates experience speaking publicly locally (less than 5 occasions)	1
Demonstrates experiences speaking publicly nationally, or locally on multiple (>5) occasions.	2
Demonstrates experience speaking publicly internationally, or nationally on multiple (>5) occasions.	3

Question 4 - B) Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100
Question 5: What experience do you have as part of a leadership team?

Include the number of months you held each position and denote whether the position was voluntary or employed. For example Chief Product Officer at x Company (Employed) (24 months). Please separate each title so it shows as one title on one line.
Question 5 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Demonstrates no experience in a leadership team in any context	0
Demonstrates leading a team that the candidate has stated includes (or, from what the candidate has written, is likely to include) at least 5 people.	1
Demonstrates leading a team that the candidate has stated includes (or, from what the candidate has written, is likely to include) at least 10 people, or two separate experiences leading at least 5 in each.	2
Demonstrates leading a team that the candidate has stated includes (or, from what the candidate has written, is likely to include) at least 20 people, or two separate experiences leading at least 10 in each.	3

Question 5 - B) Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100
Question 6: What experience do you have speaking on policy at local, national and international events in front of senior clinicians and/or other healthcare professionals?

(Local, National and International events may for example include those held by your country’s healthcare associations/Unions. Maximum of 100 words permitted)
Question 6 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Demonstrates no experience speaking publicly on policy	0
Demonstrates experience speaking locally on policy (less than 5 occasions)	1
Demonstrates experience speaking on policy nationally, or locally on multiple (>5) occasions	2
Demonstrates experience speaking on policy internationally, or nationally on multiple (>5) occasions	3

Question 6 - B) Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100
Question 6: What experience do you have writing policy papers, editorials or journalistic articles?

(Evidence may include research output in medicine, health, management, leadership, governance or health policy in the form of ORCID ID, publications, DOI links or evidence of pieces published online or in print (either non- peer reviewed or peer- reviewed). Please indicate whether peer- reviewed or non - peer reviewed after the DOI link ( NPR OR PR) Maximum 300 words)
Question 6 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Demonstrates no experience writing publicly.	0
Demonstrates evidence of at least one non-peer-reviewed publication online or in print	1
Demonstrates evidence of multiple non-peer-reviewed publications online or in print	2
Demonstrates evidence of a peer-reviewed publication, or a non-peer-reviewed publication that is likely to have reached a wide audience (likely to have been read by at least 1000 people)	3

Question 6 - B) Compose your answer in bullet point with the notation provided above. Please ensure this is done correctly.*

0/300

Question 7: How have you demonstrated effective time management and organisational skills?
Question 7 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

No demonstration of effective time management and organisational skills. No planning or prioritisation evident. No evidence of completing tasks on time or in an organised manner	0
Superficial evidence to demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills. Some planning and prioritisation is evident, but needs improvement. Some evidence of completing tasks on time or in an organised manner.	1
Good evidence to demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills. Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise effectively. Evidence of completing tasks on time and in an organised manner	2
Excellent evidence to demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills. Consistently able to plan and prioritise effectively, with clear goals and objectives. Consistently completes tasks on time and in an organised manner, with minimal oversight	3

Question 7 - B) : Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100
Question 8: How have you demonstrated a strong motivation to create social impact and improve national healthcare systems for the benefit of ordinary people? (please give specific examples. Maximum 200 words).
Question 8 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Candidate does not convey a clear example or evidence to demonstrate their motivation or initiative to create social impact or improve healthcare systems. Candidate provides no reflection.	0
Candidate demonstrates a superficial example to show their motivation to create social impact. Candidate provides some reflection. Limited understanding of social impact or healthcare systems, some evidence of initiative/innovation.	1
Candidates demonstrate a good example to show their motivation to create social impact. Candidate provides good reflection. Demonstrated understanding of social impact and healthcare systems.	2
Candidates demonstrate an excellent example to show their motivation to create social impact. Thorough understanding of social impact and healthcare systems, with clear knowledge of challenges and potential solutions. Consistently demonstrated initiative and innovation in creating social impact or improving healthcare systems, with a track record of successful projects or initiatives.	3

Question 8 - B) : Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/200
Question 9: How have you facilitated sustainable transformation/innovation in an organisation? (Full marks will be awarded where the assessor feels, based on the demonstrated evidence, the applicant has a strong capacity to lead nationally after further support and opportunities.)
Question 9 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Candidate does not demonstrate a key role in generating significant change	0
Candidate demonstrates playing a key role in significant change to an organisation, but not transforming the organisation.	1
Candidates demonstrate a transformation that they have played a key role in, but have not evidenced sustainability.	2
Candidates demonstrate a sustainable transformation that they have played a key role in.	3

Question 9 - B) : Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100

Question 10: Have you previously engaged with the HLA? If so, how? (Previous engagement with The HLA may include attending Open Days, the HLA conference, HLA Live, etc.)
Question 10 - A) Self-assessed mark for this question (with reference to the scoring criteria in the table below)*

Demonstrates no prior interaction or engagement with The Healthcare Leadership Academy	0
Demonstrates attending 1 Healthcare Leadership Academy event or course.	1
Demonstrates attending 2 Healthcare Leadership Academy events or courses.	2
Demonstrates attending at least 3 Healthcare Leadership Academy events or courses.	3

Question 10 - B) : Using the text box, describe the evidence you can provide to justify the number of points you have self-awarded for this question. Each item of evidence should be described in a single bullet point. You may be asked to provide this evidence at a later date*

0/100

The HLA Project Proposal Pitch Video must be less than 2 minutes in length (.mp4 or .mov format). You must present your HLA Project Plan, identify the problem you are aiming to solve, describe your implementation strategy and indicate your proposed outcomes.

Videos must show your face and shoulders and must be recorded in landscape orientation with clear lighting.

Please ensure and aim to cover the following:

Stage 1: Empathise

Show you understand how individuals are currently being impacted by the problem you are seeking to solve. Describe the preliminary work you have conducted, including market research to show you understand where the problem derives from.

Stage 2: Define

Clearly define the problem you aim to solve. The problem statement must be clear, rational and logical. You must demonstrate an understanding of why the problem exists in the first instance.

Stage 3: Ideation

Define your solution. The solution must solve the problem, or part of the problem, that you have identified.

Stage 4: Implementation

Describe here how you aim to deliver the idea or solution. Reference tools, approaches and what the final end-product or outcome will look like.
Question 11: Please upload the video in .mp4 or .mov format*

(Note: less that 2 minutes in length, in .mp4 or .mov format and landscape orientation. Please name your video file FirstName_LastName - Project_Proposal).
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Please upload a 90 second video (.mp4 or .mov format) presenting yourself, your experience and potential, and why you should be selected.

The video must show your face, must be recorded in landscape orientation and must have clear lighting. Please make sure it is done in this format for your application to be considered.

At the heart of the Healthcare Leadership Academy we have a six pillar curriculum. When presenting yourself, show how you currently meet the following curriculum areas:

Leader as a Communicator
To demonstrate effective communication through the means of oral, written and non- verbal messaging.

Leader as a Manager
To outline and execute a project plan, including managing all stages from concept to delivery.

Leader as a Philosopher
To encompass the HLA core values to empower, nurture and support others.

Leader as a Negotiator
To negotiate over common resources (time, money, commitments etc).

Leader as a Innovator and Entrepreneur
To solve meaningful problems through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Leader as a Follower
To demonstrate what contributions you will make in line with your HLA Project towards building a community.
Question 12: Please upload the video in mp4 or MOV format.*

(Note: 90 seconds in length, in .mp4 or .mov format and landscape orientation. Please name your video file FirstName_LastName - Individual_Elevator).
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Question 13: Upload your CV (Please ensure that your CV is maximum 2 page of A4. If it is longer than 2 pages it will be awarded 0 marks.)*

(Note: maximum of 2 pages in the pdf format. Please include anything NOT described in the above sections that would be in support of your application. Please name your pdf document FirstName_LastName).
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In the HLA we expect you to lead by empowering, nurturing and supporting others. We want to see you lift others with you as you climb to the pinnacle of your career. With this in mind, please nominate at least one peer you know personally who you think would be an excellent candidate for the HLA programme.

Every year we find some exceptional individuals have self-excluded from the application process as they don’t feel they are good enough. We want to change that, and our research has shown that these individuals are more likely to feel empowered if they know someone else believes in them and has nominated them.

We will use the email address you provide to notify the nominee that they have been nominated for the HLA Scholar’s programme. They will be invited to go apply through the same competitive entry application process as you.

Question 14: Please provide the name and email of the nominated individual. (Please insert the full name only without titles or post-nominals).*

	Name of the Nominee	Email of the Nominee
Nominee 1

Please note that all course fees are covered, with scholars only responsible for their own travel/accommodation costs to attend in-person contact days. Most cohorts have a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions, whilst some are fully virtual (the latter are described as non-geographic cohorts).
Question 15: Please indicate your cohort location preference*

Virtual Cohorts Only (for Scholars not based in the UK)Virtual Cohorts Preferred (for Scholars based in the UK, but preferring an entirely virtual HLA experience)In-person or Hybrid Cohorts
Question 16: Please select your first choice of cohort, from the list of cohorts for the 2026-2027 Scholar year*

Global 1 (Virtual)Global 2 (Virtual)Global 3 (Virtual)Aston (Hybrid)Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)London (Hybrid)Newcastle (In-person)Scotland (Hybrid)

Question 17: Please rank your cohort preferences below (including your first choice as indicated in question 16 above). 1=Most Preferable.*

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Global 1 (Virtual)
Global 2 (Virtual)
Global 3 (Virtual)
Aston (Hybrid)
Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)
London (Hybrid)
Newcastle (In-person)
Scotland (Hybrid)

NOTE:

Please make sure you rank all cohorts (in Question 17), using one ranking per one cohort only.

Candidates must rank at least four of the cohort options. Please note, if you choose to rank only four options and do not gain a place in any of your four chosen cohorts (despite scoring highly enough to gain admission to the HLA) you will be offered a randomly assigned cohort.

Example of correct way to rank cohort preferences:
- Global 1 (Virtual) - 1
- Global 2 (Virtual) - 4
- Global 3 (Virtual) - 5
- Aston (Hybrid) - 8
- Buckinghamshire (Hybrid) - 2
- London (Hybrid) - 7
- Newcastle (In-person) - 6
- Scotland (Hybrid) - 3
Example of incorrect way to rank cohort preferences:
- Global 1 (Virtual) - 1
- Global 2 (Virtual) - 1
- Global 3 (Virtual) - 1
- Aston (Hybrid) - 5
- Buckinghamshire (Hybrid) -
- London (Hybrid) - 6
- Newcastle (In-person) - 6
- Scotland (Hybrid) - 7
If you have any further questions about the application, please email hello@medics.academy.

The HLA is introducing a pathway to continue your HLA Scholarship Programme to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Practice, Management and Education, accredited by the University of Lancashire. Once you have completed your Scholarship programme, you will be enrolled on the Innovative Leadership, Education and Technology (InLET) postgraduate programme offered by Medics.Academy to continue your studies towards a PgCert.

You are required to indicate your choice from the following options when applying for the HLA Scholarship Programme.

OPTION 1 (FREE):

Completion of the programme without university credits. Applicants will submit their HLA Scholar Project final submission (comprising a 3-minute video and an 800-word summary) at the end of their Scholar year. This is the usual route and requires no payment.

OPTION 2 (£95):

Completion of the programme with 20 credits towards the University of Lancashire PgCert. The applicant will submit their HLA Scholar Project final submission (comprising a 3-minute video and a 2500-word summary) at the end of their Scholar year. These credits will be counted towards the PgCert, which reduces the remaining credits that they need to undertake to 40 (out of 60) credits. A deposit of £95 will be required from each applicant who chooses this option to secure a place in the InLET programme.

All Scholars who opt in to continue their Scholar year onto the InLET programme will receive a £1,000 bursary towards the InLET programme course fee. This would reduce the total cost for your PgCert to £3,070.

If you choose this option and are accepted to the HLA Scholars programme, the Medics.Academy team will reach out to you with the next steps in due course.

Benefits of choosing the pathway to a PgCert
- Shorter time period to obtain a PgCert: Undertake only 2 additional 20-credit modules apart from the HLA Scholarship programme
- More cost-effective: With the Scholar bursary, you only need to pay £3,070
- Multiple qualifications in a shorter time span: Once you complete the InLET programme through this pathway, you will obtain,
  - The HLA Scholarship Programme certificate awarded by The Healthcare Leadership Academy upon completing the Scholarship programme (Leadership qualification)
  - Module completion certificates for each module completed on the InLET programme, awarded by Medics.Academy
  - The PgCert in Clinical Practice, Management and Education, awarded by the University of Lancashire (Postgraduate Certificate)
For more information on the Innovative Leadership, Education and Technology postgraduate programme, please follow the link below,

InLET Programme Information - https://link.medics.academy/PG-InLET
Please indicate your preferred choice out of the 2 options given below*

Option 1 (Free): Complete the HLA Scholarship as usual (3-minute video + 800-word summary), with no university credits.Option 2 (£95 deposit): Complete the HLA Scholarship with 20 PgCert credits by submitting a 3-minute video + 2,500-word summary.

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